Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Illinois employs 17,440 LVNs, with a statewide median of $75,000 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Illinois (May 2025)
- Illinois median pay
- $75,000 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $58,880
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $79,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $89,810
- Employed in Illinois
- 17,440
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Illinois markets:
- Chicago metro
- $78,070 (11,420 employed)
- Peoria
- $72,270 (630 employed)
- Rockford
- $70,090 (440 employed)
- Bloomington
- $67,270 (170 employed)
- Champaign–Urbana
- $64,130 (300 employed)
- Springfield
- $60,110 (500 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Illinois
Prices in Illinois run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,000 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Illinois (2024–2034)
Illinois is projected to grow LVNs employment +5.8%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,740 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Illinois License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Complete a state-approved practical nursing program (~12 months; community colleges are the affordable route).
- Submit fingerprints and apply through IDFPR, then pass the NCLEX-PN.
- Renew biennially with 20 CE hours. Note: Illinois has moved toward the Nurse Licensure Compact but isn't compact-active — an Illinois license currently works in Illinois only; verify current status if portability matters to you.
Official requirements: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) →
Training in Illinois
Illinois LPN pay runs above national medians, especially in Chicagoland. Community college programs cost a fraction of private schools; long-term care facilities statewide hire continuously.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Illinois include:
- Ambria College of Nursing — Certificate / Associate
- Americare Technical School — Certificate
- Black Hawk College — Certificate
- CAAN Academy of Nursing — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Illinois
Real Illinois nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- City View Multicare Center — Cicero
- Midway Neurological / Rehab Center — Bridgeview
- Lutheran Home for the Aged — Arlington Hts
- Dupage Care Center — Wheaton
- Bria of Forest Edge — Chicago
- Landmark of Hyde Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center LLC — Chicago
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in Illinois?
The median wage for LVNs in Illinois is $75,000 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $58,880, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,810. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Complete a state-approved practical nursing program (~12 months; community colleges are the affordable route).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Illinois?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Illinois metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Illinois metro areas, Chicago metro leads at $78,070, followed by Peoria ($72,270), Rockford ($70,090). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois?
Real Illinois options include Ambria College of Nursing, Americare Technical School, Black Hawk College. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Illinois?
Illinois projects LVNs employment to change +5.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,740 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Illinois statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Illinois wages · Illinois licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.